The EU and its Member States must respect and protect human rights and the rule of law

(Brussels) The 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere - and the assertion by States that there is an elevated terrorist threat in the European Union (EU) - have led to a new set of counter-terrorism measures at both EU and national levels. These terrorist attacks are heinous criminal acts which undermine human rights. International human rights law itself requires that states must take appropriate measures to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism, in order to ensure the security and safety of the people in their territories. The undersigned organisations recall that counter-terrorism measures must always comply with the rule of law and human rights obligations under European Union and international law. Effective counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are not conflicting but are aimed at overlapping, complementary and mutually reinforcing goals. In practice, widespread violations of human rights while countering terrorism have proven to be counterproductive.

FIDH
European Network Against Racism (ENAR)
Amnesty International
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
Open Society European Policy Institute
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
Fair Trials
European Digital Rights (EDRi)
Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO)
International Federation of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture (FIACAT)
International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT)
European Association for the Defense of Human Rights (AEDH)